Days 4-6

[TFs: MtF, FtM]

Day 4:

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Mack tries to turn off his alarm, but he is cocooned in his sheets and blankets. He fights his way out between waves of exhaustion. Once free, the shower wakes him up, but a grogginess follows him.

Shuffling out to the kitchen, he pops some bread in the toaster, then sits down to look at the wanted ads.

Someone moves his shoulder. “Mack,” his mom asks, “are you alright?”

Warm toast and fried eggs sit next to him. Mack pulls his head up from his arms. “Yeah, Mom, I just had a bad dream.”

“Well, eat up and do me proud and find another job.”

He takes a bite and goes back to searching. It takes a little longer to get out of the house because his mom hovers around him longer making sure he's going to be okay.

Eventually she leaves and he makes it to the gym. The red head behind the counter greets him, “Hi! Welcome to Fun Fountain Fitness where fun fitness flows like a fountain. Is there something I can assist you with?”

Looking around, Mack notices a sign that says, “We're sorry, but we have no public restrooms.” Right next to it are the locker rooms. Between them are handicapped and baby changing bathrooms.

“Umm, how much to become a member?”

Her green eyes light up. “Well, today is your lucky day! We have a special going on.” Her eyes dart back and forth checking to ensure that no one is looking. “I can give you a three day trial for free.” She hands the paper card to Mack. “And if you promise to sign up at the end of your trial, I can give you this gym bag.”

She leans forward and lowers her voice, “Just make sure that when you sign up at the end of the trial, you write my name as the one who helped you.” She points to her name tag that says, “Irene.”

Mack takes the bag, albeit a little perplexed at the helpful young lady and heads out to the car. There, he puts his uniform and his street clothes in the bag and heads back in. He changes without incident.

Once Kenzie exits the handicapped restroom in her clothes for the day, Irene calls out to her, “Hey! What are you doing here?”

Thinking quickly, Kenzie fishes around in her gym bag while taking baby steps to the counter. Her hand lands on the business card. Pulling it out, she shows it to the desk jockey. “I'm using my free trial.”

Irene eyes her with suspicion and opens her mouth to say something, when another voice interrupts her, “Kenzie? You exercise here, too?”

Mack turns around to see the person he followed here last night. She is plump but not fat. She could stand to lose some weight. Her brown hair with tints of orange hangs flat and still damp from the shower she just took. With towel around her neck, she jogs up in her sweats.

Confused, she answers, “Ummm, yeah? I'm just trying it out. Who are you?”

Scratching the back of her head and head downward a little, “Right. You haven't seen us all in the locker room.” She thrust out her hand, “Elizabeth but you know me better as Beth.”

Kenzie takes her hand to shake, but Beth pulls her in for a hug. She whispers into Kenzie's ear, “I'm so glad you are working out here and at the cafe.” Kenzie feels a little uncomfortable with this breast on breast sensation.

“I'm. I'm not --” she begins to protest.

Turning the hug into a side hug and facing the clerk, “Don't listen to her, ReeNee. She'll be a member in no time.” Irene flinches at the nickname. “Isn't that right, Kenzie?”

Uncertain at all that's going on, Mack just nods. With a grin Beth waves, “Sorry, we gotta go. We have to get to work.”

The pair jog back to the cafe because Beth is dragging her along. Then they enter the place Kenzie has only glanced twice before, the locker room. It looks much the same as before. There are lockers along the walls with long wooden benches between.

“So which one is yours?”

Nervous, Mack answers hoping it doesn't get her in trouble, “I don't have one.”

“Then how? how? You know what? Nevermind. Let's get you one.”

Kenzie follows Beth for a second before being distracted by the two other women in the room. One, already in uniform, is so pretty she could be the girl next door. Her hair is so blond, it’s almost white. She's looking at the slender Latino woman who is yet to change clothes.

The maid is almost in tears looks up to the other, “But Carlotta--”

The Latino woman wraps the maid in a big bear hug, “Hush now. It'll be okay. Momma Carly will take care of you. Okay, Josephine?” The tears release, roll down her face and drip onto “Momma Carly's” shoulder. The sad girl nods, her head next to Carlotta's. “What was that?”

“Oui, Momma Carly.” Josephine mumbles in a French accent.

She releases Josephine from the hug and holds her at arm’s length. “Good. Now go get yourself all cleaned up and don't concern yourself with it anymore.”

“How about,” Beth starts from a couple lockers away, “this one between Wanda's and Mary Jo's?”

“Ummm,” Kenzie wavers while shifting her focus to Beth.

“Ah! You must be the new girl,” a female voice tinged with a Spanish accent draws close. Kenzie turns back to see the Latino woman from before.

“Good morning, Carly,” says Beth. “This is Kenzie.” Since introductions are done, she excuses herself, “I need to ...”

“Yes,” Carly agrees, and Beth heads to a different part of the room leaving the two alone. “I'm Carlotta, but everyone calls me Momma Carly.”

Kenzie doesn't know how to take this. Her mom is annoying and ... and well her mom. I hope she's not like my mom.

She pauses here to eye Kenzie again. Mack does the same. Carly's skin is lighter than Sanja's Milk chocolate and is a light tan. Her compassionate eyes are more inquisitive, searching for something. Then it transforms to concern. “Kenzie dear, are you okay?”

Confused and not understanding the question, she shrugs as she says, “Sure.”

Carly puts a comforting hand on her shoulder, “But dear, you are exhausted. Are you sleeping well?”

Snippets of the nightmares of the past couple of nights flood Kenzie's mind. She shoves them back out just as quick. I'm not going to tell a stranger about that. Her eyes focus on her co-worker's concern and compassion. “No,” she says. Silence causes to her to look at Carly who is waiting. Filling in the quiet, she continues, “I've had some bad dreams lately, but I don't want to talk about it.”

Carly relaxes back into a smile and wraps Mack up in a bear hug. In her ear, she whispers, “That's fine, dear, you can tell later.”

Arms pinned to her sides, Kenzie struggles for a moment in the boob squish before she is released. “It's almost time to start.” She boops Kenzie on the nose, “You'd better get ready.”

Stunned, Kenzie just stands there as Carly puts on her headband and her face loses her crow's feet making her look decades younger. “Welcome, my dear. I hope you like it here.” Then as she exits with Beth right behind her, she calls over her shoulder, “Ask me if you need anything.”

After she is out of sight, Kenzie is broken from her trance. “Oh crap! I've got to get ready.” She swaps outfits remembering to keep the choker on. Slipping the last piece on, she heads down the hall and hears the boss already speaking. Crap. I'm late.

Madam McNamara gives her a side-long glance that nearly stops her heart in terror. “Don't let it happen again.” There's no anger in her face or voice. Why am I afraid? Kenzie nods as she joins the line. The apprehension passes as the boss finishes her spiel.

They scramble for tables and Kenzie gets a one by the street side window and a couple on the back wall. The day starts slow as the customers trickle in and choose other tables.

While looking busy, Kenzie looks out the door as she cleans its glass. Her eyes fall on Wanda in the 'fishbowl'. I'd swear on a stack of Bibles that is a statue and not a person in plastic case. To get a closer look, she cleans the outside of the door while stealing glances. The outcome is the same. Fed up, she starts cleaning the statue. It's only staring at it at point blank range that she sees the nostrils flare a little or her corners of her smiling lips twitch.

The trickle of customers turns into a stream, so Kenzie retreats to serve them. At one point, she passes the thin, shapely Beth who bumps hips with her. Later, she passes the almost white haired, which is a contrast to half of her uniform, maid that she recognizes as Josephine in the locker room. Kenzie is struck by her expressionless face and broken french buffeted by a matching accent.

The day blurs on. She serves so many people that she forgets the faces. At last, the sign flips and door locks.

“Kenzie,” Miss McNamara addresses her.

She stops her exit and turns, “Yes?” Her boss lifts a finger signalling her to wait. So she watches the last of her fellow maids return to the locker room including the ever lovely Rosie.

When they are out of sight and the sound of the locker room door closing reaches their ears, Miss McNamara speaks, “I hope this was just you getting used to the new routine.”

Kenzie lowers her head. There is no fear, just shame. She wants to blame Carly, but the training his parents gave Mack kicks in, “Yes, Ma'am.”

“I hope that means that you won't be late again,” she says.

Head still down, Kenzie answers again, “Yes, Ma'am.”

“Kenzie?”

“Yes, Ma'am,” she parrots.

Miss McNamara tries again, “Kenzie.” This time, her head gets lifted up by her boss's finger until they are face to face. “Kenzie.” The softness of when Mack was hired is there again. Kenzie realizes that it's been there the entire conversation. “Kenzie, you realize you aren't in trouble, right?” She nods. “I know you are getting used to the new routine. Try to arrive a little earlier tomorrow.”

Kenzie says nothing trying to take it all in. But the gaze from before?

“Listen,” Miss McNamara continues as she begins to smirk, “If you really want some 'punishment', why don't you go get Wanda. You seemed awfully interested in her earlier.”

“No,” she begins to protest the romantic innuendo but stops when she sees the near laughter on her boss's face, “Yes, Ma'am.” Kenzie reverses directions and heads out front.

There she finds a blond with a flannel shirt tied up in the front and tight blue jeans. She tries to place this employee, but she's sure she hasn't seen her in the restaurant before. Taking the initiative, she holds out her hand and introduces herself, “Hi, I'm Kenzie. I'm new.”

Her unknown partner takes her hand and shakes it, “Good to meet you. I'm Mary Jo.” Oh! This is the person who has a locker next to mine. They break hands to reach for the 'fishbowl.' “Have you done this before?”

Thinking back to the little girl, Kenzie answers, “Yeah, Vivi had me do the top.”

Mary crouches down, “Okay, I'll do the bottom.” Kenzie does the top transparent latches. After freeing the sleeping maid, they each loop an arm over their own shoulder and walk back in.

“So, you're Mary Jo. Your locker is next to mine. How long have you worked here?”

“About four years. It's nice that we finally have someone here newer than me. Maybe now Liz will stop pranking me.”

“Oh? Liz is a trickster. I'll have to remember that.” Once they reach the locker room, the gentleman in Kenzie has her hold the door to let Mary Jo go in first. After that, they lay the sleeping maid down on the bench much like she did before.

“Wanda. Hey Wanda,” Mary Jo pats the girl on her cheeks.

She stirs and mumbles much like she did before, “Fibe moar minnuts, mum.”

Mary Jo tries again, “Wanda, it's time to party.”

The Asian girl's eyes pop open and she sits up straight, “Right!” In a flash, the locker slams shut and they are left in the dust by a colorful streak.

Kensie turns to the other occupant of the room, “I take it you've done this before?”

“Oh yeah. She's fast when she wants to be. And in case you are wondering, yes, she did change clothes.”

“Good to know.” Then her muscles begin to throb bordering on pain. She rubs her shoulder as she heads for the door out, she asks the other occupant, “You headed home?”

A look of pain crosses her face before she answers, “Maybe in a little bit. See you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow,” Kenzie parrots back. She reaches into her locker and starts to switch clothes. Looking back at the 'Country Girl' lingering by the space between the two sets of lockers, she asks, “Are you going to--” She's already changed. “Nevermind.”

Since Kenzie didn't finish asking, Mary Jo doesn't answer. In short order, Mack finishes and exits.

Outside, she looks for her car. As she walks around the small parking lot, she realizes, Crap. My car is at the gym. Kenzie hikes there. As she heads into the locker room, she spots Beth on the machines. They wave at each other. No one questions her being there including that employee from before who must have gotten off.

The trip home is just as easy. The build up of lack of good sleep and work that day crash on him hard, and falls asleep almost as soon as he lands in bed.

Mack wanders a endless expanse of white. The sky is black. Everywhere he looks is one color or the other. Walking doesn't seem to do anything, at first, because nothing seems to move or change.

Then up ahead something mars the white continuum. Quickening his pace, he rushes toward this visual obstruction. As he draws nigh, he sees that it is a kinda spherical blob of black, smooth and shiny. If he had to guess, Mack would think that the ink blot on the surface of white is made of latex or, maybe, elastic.

As it is the only thing besides himself, he reaches out to touch it. It rises to greet him like it is magnetically attracted to him. It feels just as smooth as it looks. His hand is drawn into it. Something brushes his hand and he grabs it.

Drawing it out of the semi solid substance reveals a black dress or perhaps a skirt. Mack doesn't feel like holding it up to himself to find out. Since the one hand is clutching something he reaches in with his other hand. As before, the latex-like material accepts him. This hand, also, grabs something. It is harder that the dress.

Pulling it out, he discovers that it is a headband with a white cloth frill on it. A dress? and head gear? What do --? My uniform! Looking down, he finds that he is not wearing any clothes. Oh crap!

Someone chuckles. Mack looks around but sees no one. He lifts the clothes in his hands. “I'm not wearing these.” Those must be the trigger words because the dress starts melting and climbing his arm. He sees the headband doing the same.

With the chuckling, someone starts laughing. I've got to get away from here. He covers his privates with black latex covered arms and takes a step, but his feet are snared by tendrils from the ooze. The gunk on his arms also takes on life of their own as they sling themselves higher and higher.

More laughter joins the mocking. Figures start to appear around him. His feet get yanked out from beneath him and he lands on his hands and knees hard. The laughter increases as he tries to crawl away, his limbs slipping with each attempt. His legs warm as the black gunk climbs his legs.

A light breeze blows across his bare frame. Splat! Something gooey lands on his back. As if it were heat activated, it coats his torso like a hungry piranha eating his flesh. Of course, he doesn't really notice this as his only goal is to get away from this thing that's attacking him.

His feet find purchase as whatever is covering them catches the ground. Using the advantage he stands. Moving is like walking through molasses, but he makes progress as the laughing increases. The breeze diminishes over the parts that are covered and causes other things to brush against the tops of his legs. Risking a quick glance down, he spots dark nylons on his legs right below his skirt. No! I'm crossdressing.

He feels a splash on his throat. With his gloved hands, he struggles to get it off. Digging his hands find their way to his skin. He pulls and pulls and manages to get himself some air as the liquid surrounds his neck. My! No, a choker. I'm not wearing one as a guy.

He gets more good news as he gets a foot free. He staggers forward, hopping to extricate the other, causing even more voices to laugh. Then it happens. He is loose.

Mack jogs to get away from the sentient goo. To his relief, it doesn't chase him, however, the mocking does. Pumping his free arm, it bumps something on his torso. Looking again, he sees he is wearing a corset emphasizing the breasts he doesn't have. His face burns with embarrassment. More laughter joins the chorus. I'm a guy! Why am I wearing my uniform?

Again, as if those were keywords, the cachinnation burst forth even louder. Humiliated, he sprints away from everyone. Because he is using both hands to run, the choker around his neck tightens cutting off his airflow. Gasping for breath and wearing weird clothes, it's not long before he trips and falls.

Surrounded by the mocking, Mack curls up into a fetal position gasping for breath.

Day 5:

Mack starts awake. He looks at his clock while panting for breath.

It's early, far too early. His beating heart tells him he will not be going back to sleep today despite his exhaustion. He trudges to the shower to wake himself up and calm himself down. It works, a little.

He tries to look over the want ads but his eyes droop and close. Remembering his trial membership to the gym and Beth, he leaves the open newspaper behind hoping that some exercise will wake him up.

It works a little. I've got to wake up before work. Otherwise, I'll never make it through my shift. Upon exiting the bathroom, in casual clothes Kenzie spots Beth and the red headed desk clerk that she knows. “Come join me,” Beth waves her over as she walks toward the exercise machines. Kenzie does as she is asked.

They pedal bikes in tandem, run side by side, and talk. After a while, Beth mentions the state Kenzie is in, “You look awful.”

Mack rubs the sleep out of her eyes as she tries to keep her steps regular, “I didn't sleep so well.”

Beth nods, “And yesterday, too, right?”

“Yeah.”

Beth stops, and the conveyor slides her off. “You know what you need?” Kenzie shakes her head. “You need my magical formula.”

“What,” Kenzie also stops and lands next to her co-worker. Magical? Surely she doesn't mean?

“Come with me.” She starts walking toward the counter, “Now, I don't do this very often as it is killer for my girl-ish figure.” She gestures to her slimming but still plump figure, “But when I'm desperate, like it looks like you are today...” They exit the building and go two doors down, “I come in here and get an espresso.” She gestures to the menu of coffees before them.

Then she cups her mouth to tell Kenzie a secret, “but those things are soooo bitter, so get it flavored like with caramel. Which one do you want?”

Kenzie looks up at all the words. Since Mack has never been in this store before let alone had a specialized coffee, she just mutters, “Caramel?”

Beth turns to the cashier, “One caramel espresso for my friend, here.” After they wait in silence for a moment, she finishes, “Oh. And nothing for me, thanks.”

She's going to pay for me. I shouldn't let this happen. Kenzie wasn't expecting this, “No.”

“It's okay. This one's on me. Besides, we wouldn't want you fired before you got started, right?” With resignation, she takes the drink and start sipping as they gather their clothes from the gym and head to work.

Upon arriving, they find that Rosie has beaten them. She leaves the locker room to parts unknown. “She's probably making sure the dining room is clean,” Beth confides.

Not long after, a young lady that looks familiar enters the locker room. “Wanda,” Beth greets her, “Are you ready? Or would you like a few more minutes?”

Kenzie looks at the resident statue and her splashy top slashes with various contrasting colors on a white background. They are so bright, she wonders if they glow in the dark. Her tights are much the same. She looks as tired as I feel. Was she partying all night, Kenzie wonders to herself.

Like a machine, she switches into her uniform. Her face doesn't change much. “Sure, Beth, I--” Wanda stops as she passes them, “You,” she says pointing at Kenzie,” I haven't seen--” She squints and tries again, “No, you're the one who freed me last night.”

“Yes, I did.” Then she feels the need to explain herself, “Actually, I've done it a couple of times.”

“Nice to meet you, newbie,” Wanda gives a small smile before moving on.

Beth waves at Kenzie to follow. “Don't mind her,” she whispers to Kenzie, “She'll learn your name after the initiation. Sometime.”

It doesn't take long to get her in the fishbowl. Kenzie marvels at the difference in the steps getting her in versus out. Wanda has to step in a spot, slide her arms into the clear sleeves, place her fingers exactly right as they curl around the board she's holding. All that before putting her head forward and then closing it and locking it behind her.

As they re-enter, they find Rosie cleaning and straightening the menus. She stops and heads outside to check the specials that Wanda is holding. Through the hole in the wall behind the order area, Kenzie sees a couple of people she hasn't seen before. “The cooks,” Beth explains. I guess I'm so busy I don't notice them during the day.

The door jingles as it opens again. “Kenzie, wait a moment,” Rosie calls after them. Beth waves and continues toward the locker room.

She turns as the coffee loses some of its kick, “Yeah?”

Rosie places her hands on Kenzie's shoulders, “You look terrible.” She opens her mouth to defend herself but Rosie keeps going, “I don't need to know what the problem is, but I need it solved by tomorrow. Today, though, I need you working at maximum efficiency.” She pulls something out of the pocket in her apron. She hands that thing to Kenzie. It only after Rosie pulls back her hand that Kenzie sees that it is a Bottle of Liquid Energy.

Oh crap! I've never had a BoLE before. Are those even safe? I hear they've got quadruple the caffeine and ten times the sugar, Kenzie thinks to herself, eyes wide at the sight.

“Trust me. This'll get you through the shift. You'll be fine,” Rosie assures her. Since she is watching her and not leaving, Kenzie feels the need to drink the small bottle. She downs it in one gulp.

It doesn't seem to do anything.

Rosie smiles and sends her on her way with a, “Do me proud, okay?” Kenzie nods as she heads back to the locker room.

There she finds more maids including the little girl one. Vivi, she reminds herself.

Vivi comes up to her and offers her hand, “I'm sorry about the other night,” she says in her cute, sweet, little girl voice. “I was really tired and wanted to go home.” She does a little curtsy, “It's a pleasure to meet you.” She tries to give a curtsy in response, but Mack only learned to bow. Several of the occupants giggle at her attempts.

Kenzie points at the girl in the maid outfit and tries to formulate a question, “Are you? Do you? In real life?”

Vivi smiles, “I like looking like a child. The customers seem to like it, too.”

Kenzie hears a noise behind her. As she turns, she feels a small hand and tug down on the pocket on her apron. When she looks down, she sees a bulge in the pocket and Vivi walking away.

Returning to the other distraction, she finds the country girl from the previous night at the locker next to hers wearing a different plaid shirt and pig tails. Mary Jo, she reminds herself. Since she doesn't look like she's in the mood to talk, Kenzie gives her a nod and gets one in return.

“Hey girrrlll,” Sanja's words herald her arrival, “Wha chu doing here so early?”

Images of the last couple of night's dreams flash into her mind causing her to shiver. “I couldn't sleep,” she explains.

Sanja crosses her arms, leans a little back, and scrutinized her up and down, “Girl, you bedder get choreself togedah before Liz finds chu.”

“Liz?” Oh no. “What's she going to do?”

She is answered by a laughing, “Chu'llll seee...” as Sanja saunders away.

This does nothing to comfort Kenzie, but it does remove all traces of creeping tiredness. She switches uniforms noting that the bags under her eyes haven't gone away and don't look very pretty.

A hand on her shoulder turns her around to face Carly. “Oh dear,” she comforts, “Not doing well?”

Kenzie throws her best Don't-ask-me-about-it look as she answers, “It's nothing. It'll go away soon.”

“Here. Let me get those eyes for you.” She drips a drop of skin colored liquid on her finger tip and rubs it over the dark color. “I hope it doesn't have to do with work here,” she asks not meeting her gaze.

“Oh no. Nothing like that,” Kenzie lies, remembering how each nightmare was related to the cafe.

“Oh good. Now tell me something about yourself,” Carlotta prompts. Whew. She's not going to ask. Good. I didn't want to explain. “Like what you like to do.”

Kenzie's mind realizes that she needs to tell this person something about herself. Something that won't out her as a guy.

“Well, I don't get a lot of free time. Most of it has been spent working or searching for a job, so it's been a while since I got to do something I liked. But back before work, I used to like to act in plays, memorize lines, do the choreography, you know, all the stage stuff.”

Momma Carly's eyes light up with each thing Kenzie says until she almost vibrating with excitement. “Me too! I love acting. Getting up in front of people...” Even though Carly is talking about something else, her words are piercing Kenzie on another level, “... being someone else ...” Does she know I'm not Kenzie? “...putting on costumes.” My uniform is like a costume! “It's always so fun.”

She leans a little closer to Kenzie to whisper, “Sometimes, I even make my maid job into a role. I give myself a back story and a personality and play pretend while I serve.” This is not what Mack was expecting her to say. She tries to process what was said. It must be the lack of sleep or perhaps her mind is working on the other realizations Momma Carly unknowingly triggered but her words seem to bounce off and fall on the floor.

“Now that I've mentioned it, I think I will do it today. You should do it, too, Kenzie.”

Realizing that her name was said, Mack breaks out of his contemplation, not knowing what's going on, “Uhhh, not today.”

“That's okay. Maybe tomorrow,” she smiles at Kenzie, “I can see your mind is on other things. Just let me know if there is anything I can do to help you.”

“Sure,” she says trying focus on the words but her mind is still elsewhere, “Thank you, Carly.”

Kenzie drifts through the day, her mind on what Carlotta said. My dreams have been related to my job and especially my uniform.

A sharp pinch on her butt breaks her out of her thoughts. Looking around, she sees the back of one of the twins. As she continues her run, she spots Beth, so the other is, Liz. I should have guessed. As they cross, she gets a slap down there, too. She whips around to find Beth giggling as she continues on her way.

It's not long before the caffeine begins to ebb, and she notices her apron pocket again. Her notepad doesn't sit straight with whatever Vivi put in there. She pauses a moment to fish it out and finds that it's several somethings. In her hand is a chocolate puck wrapped in clear cellophane. “Rosie's BoLEs don't last the whole shift. These are here to help you finish. Just suck on it or stuff it in your cheek.” Kenzie looks to the voice and finds Vivi leaving her to go to the counter.

As directed, she pops one in her mouth. The blast of bitterness from the dark chocolate punches her in the face, removing the sleepiness at gunpoint. Before she can spit it out, the intensity of the mint causes her to pucker and blows any last bits hanging on.

Energized, she powers through the rest of her day, taking a new mint when the previous dissolves away. With the additional butt slaps and pinches, she makes it through. Before leaving she makes sure to thank everyone for their help including Beth and Liz, despite their butt touching.

Back at the gym, Beth, on a bike, calls her over and apologizes, “I'm sorry Kenzie. It was Liz's idea.” Her apologetic face lightens until she is wearing a mischievous grin, “But you gotta admit, it kept you on your toes.”

“Yeah,” she nods a little sheepish, “Thanks. I don't think I'd have made it without the whole team.”

Beth's face transforms to concern, “Are you going to be alright tonight?”

“I should.” Her smile turns a little devious, “Especially if I sleep like the dead.”

“Yeah, you do that.” Beth starts pedalling again. Sounds of huffing and puffing follow her as she changes back to Mack.

Driving house is rough, but buoyed by the help of her co-workers and the hope of a good night's sleep, he makes it home without incident.

However, stepping in the door at home is bad. Both of his parents are sitting there waiting for him. Even half asleep, he can see that the stern, anxious faces that greet him are not good. “Mack,” he dad starts, concerned.

His mother can wait no more, she bursts. Her nervousness turned to frustration and anger, “Where were you?” Mack points out the door and opens his mouth, but before any words come out, she continues, “You weren't here when we woke up. We were -- I was worried.”

She gestures to his dad who nods his agreement. He doesn't get a word in before she continues, “That job is bad for you. You shouldn't work there. You need to get a new job. You promised me -- us --” She gestures to the paper he haphazardly laid out on the table this morning.

“Mom,” he begins.

“No,” she cuts him off, “You don't understand. That place is dangerous. You don't know the things I've heard about that place.” She corrects herself and gestures to his dad as well, “what WE have heard and experienced at that place. We don't want these things to happen to you.”

Danger, Mack asks himself trying to figure out what his mom is saying, The Maid to Order Cafe is dangerous? He thinks of his boss, Miss McNamara, the other waitresses, even the cooks she sees in passing. Are they dangerous? Is there something I don't know? Nah, they are all nice people, right?

Uncertainty in his heart, he doesn't pursue it, “Okay, Mom, I'll try to find another job.”

The nervousness and worry don't leave her face but ease some as she musses his hair, “That's good. Right, honey?”

His dad pulls her into a side hug and kisses her on the cheek, “Right, dear.” Mack's not sure, but he thinks the passion might not be as strong in dad as it is mom. Still, he is done with this conversation and the repressed exhaustion is coming on strong.

“May I go to bed, please? I think I'll have a better night sleep tonight.” Halfway to the door, he realizes he should probably add more to get them off his back in the coming days, “And that should help me be more alert tomorrow.”

“That's good, son,” his dad calls after him.

“Sleep well,” echoes his mom, but Mack is pretty sure she's just saying that.

In his room, Mack manages to switch to pajamas before falling asleep as he lands in his bed.

Something hits Mack hard from behind. Once he regains his balance, he finds that there is an additional weight back there making him more likely to fall on his behind. Then the familiar sensation of something growing and flowing on his body begins.

He turns and finds that it is not on the ground, only where he can't reach it. “Wait, wait, wait,” he holds his hands out in a stop motion despite whatever is on him probably can't see the gesture.

It stops. “Please come where I can see you.” Reluctant at first, but more as he doesn't try to flee, a black blob moves in front of him like a giant amoeba. He switches his hands to hold up a single finger, “Gimme a second.”

Since it doesn't seem to doing anything, he says, “Let's dance.” He holds his arms in positions that he had seen dancers in the movies do. The blob separates into articles and lifts into the air. Soon an invisible body inhabits his maid uniform. It steps forward into his arms.

Orchestral music begins playing in the background. Together, they both step forward into motion. After a few false starts including a few feet stepped on, they swirl and sway, moving in time to the music. The world around them blurs. At times, he is wearing his nightwear. At others, he is Kenzie in the maid uniform dancing with an invisible person in his pajamas.

A quiet, beep, beep, beep becomes more insistent in the instrumental music. Back in his clothes, he bows and the uniform curtsys. Then Mack opens his eyes to greet the new day.

Day 6:

Mack feels like he slept for a week. All of the tiredness and sleepiness from the last week of nightmares is gone. It's easy to search the ads because his focus is high. There's nothing there, like usual.

After his mom leaves, he follows. A quick change later and Kenzie walks out of the gym, none of the gym employees gives her a hard time. She does see that red-headed one that gave her the guest pass. Entering the locker room, she changes and chats with the other girls.

Kenzie floats through work, bumping hips with Sanja, trading low fives with Vivi, and pretending to be fraternal twins with Carly. Everything builds synergy. Everyone is having fun. In fact, it seems to Kenzie like more people are served, but she’s not sure in all the fun she has.

The day ends and Kenzie is just as energized as when she started. Excited, she bounds around giving hugs to whoever she can.

She is stopped up short with a simple calling of her name, “Kenzie?”

Mack turns to find Miss McNamara standing in the doorway. Following the boss’s wiggling finger, they arrive in the office. “Kenzie,” she repeats, “Tomorrow is the end of the week.” She pauses a moment to let the words sink in. “It’s time for you to decide.”

Is there any question? Of course! She looks to the desk, but there is no contract there.

“Okay, here’s the deal,” the boss says, when Kenzie meets her eyes, “I see three possibilities. One, you are unsatisfied and want to leave now.” Kenzie shakes her head. “I thought not. You are a good employee and fit in here well. Two, you go through the initiation and leave us.” Kenzie shakes her head again. “No, it’s a distinct possibility. We lose our guys here. I don’t think we’ve had a single one make it.”

Kenzie’s eyes go wide. Miss McNamara puts a comforting hand on her shoulder, “If anyone can do it, I believe you will be the one. So, you understand my concern. I think I will wait until after the initiation for you to sign. I’d rather have you decide to do it after, than sign and have you quit immediately.”

“So, what’ll it be?”

His mom’s words from the night before echo in his head. Dangerous. Scary. Compounded with images of fear and tears on his mom’s face makes her second guess the decision.

“Okay, I can see this isn’t going to be a quick decision. I’ll let you sleep on it.” She hands Kenzie a black choker. It looks like the one she already has. “If you decide to go through the initiation, you’ll need to show up an hour early.” Pointing at the cloth band in Kenzie's hand, she adds, “Be sure to wear that instead of your usual one, tomorrow. Otherwise, everyone might discover your secret at the initiation.”

What should I do? I want to be here with the nice people, but what about what mom said? Is what they are asking me to do dangerous? Back in the locker room, she stuffs the extra piece in the duffle bag, noting the small, white, interwoven ribbon.

At the gym, she sees Beth on the rowing machine. “So, Beth, I've got a question.”

She responds between breaths, “What ... is it?”

“Tomorrow is my initiation. I was hoping you could tell me something about it. The boss was pretty tight lipped about it.” Kenzie rubs a nervous foot against the calf of her other leg.

“You ... won't ... get ... anything ... from us.” She holds up a finger, “one more rep.”

Kenzie stews in her anxiousness. Beth isn't helping.

After getting her breath back, Beth continues, “Listen. This is a secret known only to employees. And after tomorrow, you'll know, too.”

“I don't know if I'm going to do it tomorrow,” her nervousness splayed across her face.

Concern fills Beth's face. She grabs Kenzie's hands and presses them together in front of her with her own wrapped in her own. “No, Kenzie. You must do it.”

“Why?”

“You fit us so well. Didn't you feel it today? We all flowed and moved as one. It was amazing.” She says it again to emphasize the point, “It was amazing, wasn't it?”

The day passes in her mind again. The low fives, hip bumps, spins and narrow avoids of the others. It fills her with a little joy that pushes out most of the fear. “Yeah, it was pretty cool.”

“That is the smoothest we've run in almost a year,” she confides. Beth thinks it over for a moment. “Yeah, since Connie got pregnant,” she says nodding to herself. She focuses on Kenzie again, “So, you gotta do it. Promise me you'll do it.”

At last, Beth unclasps her hands freeing Kenzie's. “And you won't tell me anything?”

“I will tell you this. We all went through it and it won't hurt. And it'll be a way for you to know how much we think of you.” She looks deep into Kenzie's eyes, “Good enough?”

Kenzie thinks about all that was said. She wants more, but she probably won't get it. She looks within, I'm not as nervous as I was. “I guess that'll do.”

“Then I'll see tomorrow,” Beth asks as she heads to the next machine.

With less resolve than she wants, “Sure.”

“Good,” she says as she lays on the weight lifting machine, “I'd hate for you to quit just before you succeed.”

It's hard for Mack to concentrate as he drives home with the war raging in his head. Should I do it even though I don't know what it is? And be with people I like. And a job I like. Or should I stop now?

he money is good, one side mentions.

But Mom and Dad don't want me to do it, the other fires back.

I enjoy this job more than the others.

It might be dangerous. What do you know about this place?

Beth wants me to do it, it rallies trying to find footing.

Do you want to destroy this business like you did the last job?

This gives him pause. Oh crap. No, I don't want that, but ... but ... He tries to think of something, anything. Miss McNamara's compassionate face, as she handed him the choker, appears before his mental eye. My boss wants me to do it. Remembering the day of shopping, he charges on, She paid for my clothes before I am hired. She really wants me to work there.

With new determination, Mack decides to do it, right as he is pulling in to his spot on the street.

As he walks in the house and sees his mom pass through to the kitchen. Oh crap. How am I going to get out of the house early without checking the ads? He follows her struggling to think of anything.

“Uh, mom,” he starts hoping the words come to him. I'm supposed to be a janitor there, he reminds himself, What could cause me to go in early in the morning?

She turns to face him, soothing her hair, “Yes?”

“I need to go to work early tomorrow.” C'mon, c'mon. You're already on thin ice here. Think of something!

As he expected, her eyebrow goes up and her smile turns into a frown. “Oh,” she asks with obvious distaste.

Janitor. Cleaning, he prompts himself. “Well, there was a big mess tonight....” Why clean it in the morning? “... that I have to clean before we open in the morning. Why not clean it tonight? “Someone ... spit gum” Yes! “on the carpet and we are icing it tonight and I will clean it up in the morning.”

“We?” His heart sinks at her question. He thought he was free.

“Yes. The restaurant has a janitorial crew, and I am the one scheduled for the morning clean up.”

She is still skeptical. It is written all over her face. “You need an hour to clean some gum out of the carpet?”

Crap. “Well, there's that, but alllllso” ummmm “a big” C'mon, c'mon. “stain.” Okay? “and we are soaking it tonight and cleaning it tomorrow.” She won't be satisfied with this. Keep going. “And I didn't tell you about that because I figured running the steam cleaner wasn't a big enough deal to mention.”

Mack can see that he is winning her over, but isn't quite there. He forges on, “aaaannd I'll get up extra early? And go through the ads before I go?”

He watches his mom contemplate this. She counts on her fingers. Mack is a little surprised. He was expecting her to answer him right away. He hasn't seen this side of her and it's nice. Please let me do this, he pleads in his head.

At last she looks at him. With a smile she agrees, “Sure that'll work. You'll have to get it off the driveway when the newspaper boy throws it and share it with your dad, but that'll work.”

Smiling at the good news, Mack says, “Thanks mom. Since I have to get up early, I think I should go to bed now.”

“Alright,” she says patting him on the head, “sleep well.”

“Good night,” he says heading off to his room.